Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1887-03-03
( For the Ellsworth American. |
Newspapers.

The newspaper is one of the most re-
markahle phenomena of modern times. 1t
is n sort of common reservoir into which
every stream pours its living waters, and
from whose surplus tides, fountains are
ceaSele>sly playing in every city and town
and hamlet in the land Its powers can
only be measured by its extent Books,
however cheap. and however popularity
written are not likely to he read by the I'M
informed: but all men will read the
news And even peasants, farm ser
wants, country day laborers, will look and
pour over the pages that recount the oc-
currence> of the neighborng town And
should they miss their newspaper for
once they have restless, uncomfortable
feeling of having Slipped day behind the
world
The inventor of the first genuine news
paper bore the unromantic name of
Nathaniel Buffers. and his paper was en-
titled the WeekIy NevS,' from Italy 1t
appeared in the year 1922. and the news it
contained treated chiefly of foreign affairs
Early in the Eth century a newspaper was
printed at Venice. for which the price
charged was A Venetian coin called a
gazzctta. and hence is derived our word
gazette. the name of the coin having been
transferred to the paper
Il was in ldGu when the reign of James
the First was drawing 10 close, that the
first English newspaper was published. 1t
was printed al London and was entitled
Nrrv-ja> FttIiru,."
The first newspaper printed in the United
States wa> published in Boston, on the
Path of April. l7o4 1t was entitled the
B.>'oa Ne,rs Letter." and was edited by
John Campbell. Scotchman. In half
century after there were four newspapers
in New England and all printed in Boston
They were published weekly. and the
average number of copies lid not exceed
~ hundred from each press. No paper
had then been issued in amy other of the
New England States Vermont a, a State
did not exist. and the country which now
campo-,~ it WAS then wilderness
soon after the revolutionary VAR daily
palrr~ were printed at Philadelphia and
Nm York. 1t was common for printers
t. ,ubioiu to their titles Containing the
freshest advicc> both Foreign and Domc>-
tlc But they do not now continc them
~-ttv~ to mere -ad,icc>," they have grad
ua''y assumed an office more extensive and
Las. risen 10 more important station in
>sti.ty Perhaps We can best see their
en-. rmou> growth in this single fact that
We al,c nj the present time many steamers
of ff,r greatest powers and speed engaged
specially jn bringing political and CONNER
ciaI intelligence from all parts Of the
world: never delaying at any port hut for
'ho purpose Of loading and landing and
cul1arkjug mails Their swift and punc;-
u4 arrival III this country often running
q stance Of 3 ona miles without stopping
j. anr ~ thu. wonders Of this remarkable
az.
Much has been accomplished 10y the
n.a -papor. more than people appreciate
gradual AMI silent ha~ been the al, ancc
II ~ fplcce~~ j. the growth Of the corn in
}'ir garden. You may watch il night and
Jay and you never sec it growing. But
RETURN after month or 1--WE, and You will
HH3 !, all Whitening for harvest. Such
aaJ -a impcrccpriblc in the stages of their
advance are the achievements of the press.